A well-known member of the bar of Stuart is Mr. Ben S. Adams, who came to the city in 1872. A native of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, he was born August 3, 1847, his parents being Thomas and Loretta (Swoope) Adams, and is the youngest in a family of five children. In 1861 the family, tiring of Pennsylvania, concluded to try their fortunes in the West, and their determination resulted in their removal to Davenport, in this state, in 1861. Mr, Adams attended the schools of that city, and in 1865 cast his lot in legal channels by commencing the study of the law with the firm of Thompson & Campbell, then a prominent firm there. He remained with them about two and one-half years, when he was examined and admitted to the bar. He practiced in Davenport eight months, and in September, 1868, he removed to Panora, Guthrie county, where he enjoyed a good practice until his removal to where he and his partner, Mr. J. H. Applegate, are creditable members of the bar. Mr. Adams has also had considerable newspaper experience, having had part control of the Stuart Ledger from 1880 until 1853, at first under the firm name of Adams & Belknap, which was changed in 1882 to Adams & Gosham, remaining there until he withdrew from the business. He was married November 20, 1871, to Adelia Barrett, a native of Ohio. They have thr·ee children --- Margaret L. M., John A., and Clare A. The family are of the Roman Catholic faith